Being a Product Manager (PM) at a startup is no joke. There are countless books offering hypothetical scenarios and frameworks to navigate every situation, but these systems often fail to scale down to the startup size. They work well for larger organizations but rarely for startups.
If you, too, see endless "how to get product-market fit in 5 easy steps" posts on LinkedIn that are unhelpful while you’re busy putting out a hundred different fires, I am here to help.
Part 1: Oh No, What Have I Done
This is usually the feeling you’ll have when you first join. Often times there’s no PM, there’s no onboarding, there’s no structure or very little on the product side, this means you’ve now entered the sink or swim phase.
1. Determine the State of Your Company
Understanding the current state of your company is crucial for every action you choose to make going forward. The book The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins introduces the STARS framework:
- Startup
- Turnaround
- Realignment
- Sustaining Success
Without knowing the state of the company you will inevitably make poor decisions. If you don’t figure this out you could be using logic from other companies you worked at that were in different states.
2. Understand Founder Delusion
Founders often have an overly optimistic view because they are constantly selling the company to partners, VCs, or recruits. This can twist their perspective in two directions:
- Critical Path Focus: Get things done quickly.
- Growth and Hype Focus: Raise money, drive growth, and avoid running out of runway.
These two personas can be at odds, causing confusion for the PM. As a PM, you need to balance moonshot ideas with near-term work to avoid distractions.
3. Embrace the All-Inclusive Role
Being a founding PM means being involved in everything. This can be overwhelming, but it’s also a unique opportunity to learn a vast amount in a short period.
4. Prepare for Burnout and Rapid Growth
The solo PM role typically lasts 6-12 months if the company scales quickly. This is due to potential burnout or the inability to respond to rapid growth without support. Be prepared to hire more product managers as the company grows.
5. Apply Frameworks Judiciously
Business school frameworks and acronyms are great, but knowing when to apply them is crucial:
- Visionary Leaders: Drive direction and want to be part of all conversations. PMs need to be tactical and execution-focused.
- Data-Driven Founders: Prefer research, justification, and well-thought-out plans. PMs need to be methodical and articulate.
Understand the founders’ backgrounds and principles to find your groove and fill the product management space that needs filling.
Part 2: Let’s Go!
Now that we’ve covered the challenging aspects, let’s dive into the exciting and rewarding parts of the role.
1. Immense Impact on the Company
As the solo PM, you will have a significant influence on the company. Your role is critical in holding teams together, especially during challenging times.
2. Close Relationships with Executives
Being a founding PM means you’ll often work closely with executives. This proximity can lead to building strong, lifelong relationships with them.
3. Founder-Like Responsibilities
In a startup, the founding PM is almost like a co-founder. You’re in charge of delivering products to market and communicating how to get the work done.
4. Direct Involvement in Building
Startups often focus so intensely on building that formal presentations and business reviews are rare. Your role will be more about direct action and less about preparing slides.
5. Becoming an Advocate for the Company
You’ll know the company inside and out, making you a strong advocate in various situations. You may be called into business deal calls or partnership meetings as a technical expert.
6. Learning from Mistakes and Mentors
You will make mistakes, but these experiences are valuable learning opportunities. Working closely with experienced mentors will help you grow into a well-rounded PM.
7. A Generalist’s Dream Role
Being a PM at a startup requires you to be a chameleon, adapting to various roles and responsibilities. This environment is perfect for those looking to broaden their skills.
Conclusion
Being a founding PM at a startup is challenging but incredibly rewarding. By understanding your company’s state, balancing founder perspectives, embracing your all-inclusive role, preparing for growth, and applying frameworks wisely, you can navigate the complexities of startup life effectively.
Remember, the journey is tough but offers unparalleled learning opportunities. Good luck!